The Ministry of Finance has announced that Nepali and foreign nationals entering Nepal can bring up to $5,000 without customs declaration. Any amount exceeding this limit must be declared at customs.

The ministry further stated that individuals are allowed to keep a maximum of $1,500, or its equivalent in convertible foreign currency, in cash. “Nepali or foreign nationals can bring up to $5,000, the equivalent in Indian rupees, or other foreign currencies not published by Nepal Rastra Bank, without customs declaration. Amounts above this threshold must be declared and certified,” the ministry said in a notice.

It added that Nepali citizens are permitted to retain up to $1,500, or equivalent, in cash from their foreign earnings, remittances, or unspent travel exchange facilities for future use.

The ministry clarified that legally earned and declared funds face no restrictions on storage or use. However, undeclared cash found in possession will be investigated and prosecuted under prevailing laws, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008.

According to the ministry, reports emerged via media and social networks that cash had been found burned or destroyed during the protests on Sept 8–9.

The ministry reiterated that, in line with government policy, all transactions for goods, services, and other business dealings must be conducted through financial institutions or banking instruments. Any transaction worth Rs 1m or more must be carried out via banking channels, it said.